INZ: 'Witch doctors' facing deportation

29/07/2015

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has confirmed it has identified another so-called "witch doctor" after a 3 News investigation revealed the astrologers were on the run after receiving cash from vulnerable Kiwis.

Information provided by 3 News led to the identification of the witch doctor, whose most recent address is in south Auckland.

INZ says it has identified nine "witch doctors", five of whom have already fled the country. The other four are still in New Zealand on visitor visas and are liable for deportation for breaching of their visa conditions.

"The individuals have been asked to respond to INZ's concerns before a decision is taken on what action to take," says INZ assistant general manager Peter Devoy.

Indian witch doctors are arriving in New Zealand on tourist or temporary work visas and duping vulnerable Kiwis into forking out thousands of dollars.

Numerous people in the Indian community have been duped across the country.

This included one Auckland businessman has gone to police after paying $275,000 to a witch doctor on a temporary visa who skipped the country hours after receiving the cash.

Meanwhile Indian media under fire for running wall-to-wall ads promoting the so-called healers have pulled them.

"INZ would strongly encourage people not to be taken in by anyone offering these types of services," says Mr Devoy.

Anyone with information on individuals involved in "witch doctor" activity is urged to contact INZ on 0508 55 88 55 or make an anonymous complaint via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.